The decision is final: You will build your own home! You know which builder you want to use and you have chosen a certain floorplan. All you have to do now is look for YOUR perfect lot.

Which are factors that you might consider when selecting a building site? Start with these:

1. Drive the area and walk the neighborhood at different times of the day and week. How is the commute? How far is it to the nearest stores, churches, services? How are the schools in your district? The old saying “Location, Location, Location” still applies.
2. Evaluate the area’s outlook for growth. You might take a look at the builders masterplan for the subdivision and the area.
3. Find out where future businesses, schools, community centers, golf course, train tracks, roads, heavily traveled highways, sewage systems, landfill will go. You can get an aerial overview with Google Maps or Google Earth?
4. Take the time to research the taxes/fees in your subdivision: How high will future taxes be? Are there currently or in the future any special assessments? How high are the HOA fees – is there a master and a sub fee? Are there any additional fees (i.e.street assessments)that will be assessed at some point?
5. Are covenants filed and the HOA already established? Generally, the developer is not even allowed to file the subdivision unless the covenants are ready and available to be filed at the same time.
6. Your personal preferences: Location within the subdivision
   1. Is your lot close to the entrance of the subdivision? You might have more traffic and noise, how is the builder handling that?
   2. Cul-de-sacs are great for kids playing in the street because there is less through traffic. However the street design might make snow removal, fire rescue difficult; narrow front yards might not give you all the space you need for parking/using; Where are setbacks and easements on the lot? Backyards in Cul-de-Sacs are generally larger and provide more space to enjoy.
   3. Corner lots have traffic and sidewalks on two sides. These sidewalks need to be cleared of snow in the winter. Generally, corner lots come with larger lot sizes and allow for a side loaded garage.
   4. Lots at a T-intersection or facing an incoming street might have to deal with headlights of incoming traffic. When your home is planned you might want to consider that in order to minimize glaring lights in sleeping areas.
   5. Get an idea of the dimensions of the home to determine the footprint of it on your lot – how does it fit? Do you like it? What was the builders idea of placing it?
   6. What is the physical condition of the lot? Are there large rocks, lots of trees – this might incur extra developing cost. Are there issues with expanding soils? Was a soil test done – is it satisfactory? Are there embankments, outcroppings?
   7. What are the easements on this property? These easements are generally for utilities (but are there others?) Where are they located? Do they run along side the lot or through the lot.
   8. Exposure:
      • Southern exposure – large windows facing south will let you take advantage of the warm sun in the winter time, but will potentially heat up the home in the hot summer days
      • Eastern exposure – any parts of the home oriented to the east will benefit from the morning sun
      • Western exposure – any parts of the home facing west will take advantage of the afternoon sun. Western and southern exposures might make decks and patios very hot in the summer time.
      • Northern exposure – In the winter snow and ice on driveway, walkway, patio will not melt as quickly as if you have some southern and/or western exposure.
   9. What is the topography of your lot? A gentle sloping is great for a walk out basement, while a steeper slope might leave you only little usable backyard space.
   10. What are the characteristics of your lot? How close will your neighbors be to you? What will go beside and behind you? How are your views? If there are any, where will the utility boxes go, are you ok with their placement?

   There are advantages and disadvantages to every lot, however, if you know about them beforehand and you feel that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, chances are  you have chosen the perfect lot for you!

If you have more questions about building, buying,renting or selling a home please do not hesitate to call/text 719-321-0800 or email me agentsusanna at gmail dot com. I am looking forward to hearing from you.

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Introducing: Source of Water Addendum

Colorado state statutes require that sellers of residential property disclose the home’s source of potable (drinkable) water (C.R.S.A. § 38-35.7-104)

Water is a precious, limited, resource in Colorado and to comply with this statute a Seller’s Property Disclosure form or a Source of Potable Water Addendum  is provided:

• Identification of the source of potable water (tap, well, other)
• Identification of any permits, augmentation plans and other water related information
• Provides the name and the address/contact information of the water provider.

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June 15:

• Sailin Shoes Run for Fun Downtown Colorado Springs Saturday, June 15, 2013 @ 7:00 AM http://runnersroostcs.com
• Starlight Spectacular, Gardens of the Gods Visitor Center, casual night bike ride. For more information, please visit: www.starlightspectacular.org.
• 36th Annual Springs Spree, Saturday, June 15th and Sunday, June 16th 2013 in Memorial Park. Celebrate the beauty of Colorado Springs with a carnival, car show, BMX bike stunt show, live music and much more in Memorial Park.
  
• Summer concert series at Acacia Park  Chuck Snow

June 16th:

• 36th Annual Springs Spree, Saturday, June 15th and Sunday, June 16th 2013 in Memorial Park.
• Seven Falls Fathers Get In Free

June 19th:

• 53rd Annual Colorado Springs Street Breakfast. Intersection of Pikes Peak and Tejon in Downtown Colorado Springs Cost: $5 and Children under 2 are FREE! … Read More…

June 21st:

• The Fallen Emergency Medical Services Memorial Ride, 3pm at Antlers Park, go to Muddyangels.com

The post Colorado Springs Events 6/15- 6/21/2013 appeared first on colorado springs real estate.

It’s been almost to the day a year since the Waldo Canyon Wild Fire that burnt 346 homes and took 2 lives, when this year the Black Forest Wildfire erupted.

The Black Forest Fire erupted on Tuesday at around 1.40pm -  I didn’t think much of it, surely a 15 acre fire wouldn’t be a problem? However, very dry weather conditions and strong winds pushed the fire ahead to a near explosive speed. THAT evening 92 homes were already gone. Today, Thursday, 360 families lost their homes. I am deeply saddened and troubled.

All our thoughts and prayers go out to the affected families.

What gives me hope is the strength that you find within the Colorado Springs community. People pull together, give freely and generously. I am so proud to be a part of it and help those who need help.

The post Colorado Springs Black Forest Fire appeared first on colorado springs real estate.

There are a lot of things you can do in Colorado Springs, but what could a visitor possibly pack into one day? (Providing all members of the party are ready for a full day?) Your schedule might look like this:

6.30am – 7.30am Early morning stroll through Gardens of the Gods
7.45am – 8.45am breakfast at the Bon Ton in Old Colorado City
9.45am – 10.45am USAF Academy Chapel
11.30am – 12.30pm Down Town Olympic Training Center
1.00pm – 2.00pm Lunch at the Crystal Park Cantina Manitou Springs
2pm – 5.30 pm Driving up to Pikes Peak Summit or take the train up (Cog Railroad)
6pm –  6.30 pm visit Broadmoor Hotel
7pm  – 8.30 dinner suggestions: BBQ at Rudys,
the Warehouse, Phantom Canyon,
quick and easy Pizza at Il Vicino downtown on Tejon St.
9pm  -10 pm visit Seven Falls at night

Photo via Jasen Miller

The post Colorado Springs Sight Seeing In A Day appeared first on colorado springs real estate.

• Tour de Tikes 5k - Cottonwood Creek Park - Colorado Springs, Colorado - 8:30 a.m. - 719-314-0232

• Starlight Spectacular - 14M/22M - Garden of the Gods Visitor Center - Colorado Springs, Colorado - 10:30 p.m. - 719-633-6884

• Acacia Park Summer Concert Series, Presented by Downtown Partnership at Acacia Park, Edith Makes a Paper Chain and Moonhoney

• Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey Circus Saturday, Jun 8 11:00a World Arena Colorado Springs, CO

• 16th Annual Lu'au by Pacific Pride and Island Hearts Saturday, Jun 8 5:00p to 9:00p Colorado Springs City Auditorium Colorado Springs, CO

• Third Annual Colorado Guide Dog Run Saturday, Jun 8 9:00a Olde World Bagel & Deli Colorado Springs, CO This Motorcycle Ride benefits the Guide Dogs for the Blind and Guide Dogs of the Desert.

• Rocky Mountain PBS KTSC Kids Fun Fest Saturday, Jun 8 10:00a to 2:00p Acacia Park Colorado Springs, CO

• Pikes Peak Derby Dames 2nd Annual Karaoke Gong Show Presented by Pikes Peak Derby Dames and Zodiac Venue and Bar at Zodiac

• 26th Annual Pikes Peak Supercross  Presented by Pikes Peak Supercross at Norris Penrose Event Center

• Freedom Financial Expo Center The 21st Annual Boomer and Beyond Expo sponsored by the Senior Resource Council is an annual event where approximately 70 vendors share information with the senior community and their families.

June 9

• Freedom Financial Expo center:  Home Tour Expo

• The 50th Annual Pikes Peak Gem & Mineral Show - Out of the Heavens! Sunday, Jun 9 9:00a to 4:00p Western Museum of Mining and Industry Colorado Springs, CO
• Garden of the Gods 10M Run - 5k/10M - Garden of the Gods Park - Colorado Springs, Colorado - 7:00 a.m. - 719-473-2625 www.gardentenmile.com. ... ReadMore...

June 10

• YWAM Golf Classic 2013 Monday, Jun 10 6:30a to 2:00p Broadmoor West Golf Course Colorado Springs, CO

June 12

• Patty Jewett Neighborhood Association's Art on the Run Presented by Patty Jewett Neighborhood Association
• 2013 State of the City Thursday, Jun 13 11:30a to 1:30p The Broadmoor: International Center at The Broadmoor hotel Colorado Springs, CO Keynote SpeakerMayor Steve Bach City of Colorado Springs

June 14

• Summer Music Festival Music at Midday Presented by Colorado College Summer Music Festival and Colorado College Summer Festival of the Arts at Colorado College - Packard Hall
• 5th Annual Everything Automotive Show 2013 Friday, Jun 14 4:00p to 6:30p IntelliTec College Automotive Training Facility Colorado Springs, CO

Photo source: trialsanderrors

The post Colorado Springs Events June 8 through 14 appeared first on colorado springs real estate.

June 1:

• Save Money or Help Raise Money,Sky Sox Stadium, www.colormerad.com and use Coupon Code: SPRINGS4U and a portion of each race registration is donated back to the chosen race charity!
• 2013 Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival Presented by Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce at Memorial Park, Manitou Springs
• Acacia Park Summer Concert Kickoff featuring Kings of Space Presented by Downtown Partnership at Acacia Park

June 2:

• Pikes Peak Soap Box Derby , For more information, please visit: www.ppsbd.com. … Read More…
• All Breed Rescue & Training’s 1st Annual Doggie Dash 5K Fun Run/Walk University Village Colorado Sunday, June 2, 2013 @ 9:00 AM http://www.haveanicedog.org
• Jack Quinns 5K Championship Race

June 3:

• Pikes Peak Highway Opening Pikes Peak – America’s MountainPikes Peak – America’s Mountain  opening to the summit  8:30am. Access to the North Slope Recreation Area will not be restricted and will open at 7:30am. . … Read More…

June 5:

• Wednesday Night Art with Mayor Bach Presented by City of Colorado Springs and COPPeR (Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region)

June 6:

• Art Opening at City Administration Building ==The City of Colorado Springs will host an Art Opening in the lobby of the City Administration Building (30 S. Nevada Avenue) on Friday, June 7th from 4 – 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Two astounding, local artists will present their newest works at the City Administration Building …Read More…

The post Colorado Springs Events June 1st thru 7th {Events} appeared first on colorado springs real estate.

May 25th:

• 38th Annual Territory Days, Old Colorado City, May 25th – 27th, 2013 Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am – 7:00pm / Monday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
• Memorial Day splash 2 for 1 pool entry May 25-27! The City of Colorado Springs and YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region are set to open four outdoor aquatic centers to the public on Saturday, May 25 with 2-for-1 pool entry at Monument Valley, Portal and Wilson Ranch Pools and Prospect Lake Beach. With an admittance …Read More…
• Fountains Opening Memorial Day Weekend Uncle Wilbur Fountain in Acacia Park, 115 East Plate Avenue Hours of Operation May 25-mid August 2013 Daily; Noon to 6:00 p.m. Julie Penrose Fountain in America the Beautiful Park, 126 Cimino Drive Hours of Operation May 26-mid Aug…Read More…
• Revive & Strive 5K Fun Run and Walk Colorado Springs @ Palmer Park

• Colorado Springs Sky Sox vs. Fresno Grizzlies Presented by Colorado Springs Sky Sox Baseball Club at Security Service Field

May 26th:

• 38th Annual Territory Days, Old Colorado City, May 25th – 27th, 2013 Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am – 7:00pm / Monday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
• Memorial Day splash 2 for 1 pool entry May 25-27! The City of Colorado Springs and YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region are set to open four outdoor aquatic centers to the public on Saturday, May 25 with 2-for-1 pool entry at Monument Valley, Portal and Wilson Ranch Pools and Prospect Lake Beach. With an admittance …Read More…
• Double 5k – 5k/10k – American the Beautiful Park – Colorado Springs, Colorado – 8:00 a.m. – 719-362-3306
• Colorado Springs Sky Sox vs. Fresno Grizzlies Presented by Colorado Springs Sky Sox Baseball Club at Security Service Field
• Popsicle Bike Ride Sunday, May 26 1:00p to 3:00p America the Beautiful Park Colorado Springs, CO

May 27th:

• 38th Annual Territory Days, Old Colorado City, May 25th – 27th, 2013 Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am – 7:00pm / Monday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
• Evergreen Cemetery will host a balloon release at noon on Memorial Day. On Monday, May 27, Evergreen Cemetery (1005 Hancock Expressway, 80903) will host its annual Memorial Day Celebration. Beginning at 11 a.m., the U.S…Read More…
• Memorial Day splash 2 for 1 pool entry May 25-27! The City of Colorado Springs and YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region are set to open four outdoor aquatic centers to the public on Saturday, May 25 with 2-for-1 pool entry at Monument Valley, Portal and Wilson Ranch Pools and Prospect Lake Beach. With an admittance …Read More…
• Colorado Springs Sky Sox vs. Fresno Grizzlies Presented by Colorado Springs Sky Sox Baseball Club at Security Service Field
• Baby and Toddler Supplies Drive Springs Rescue Mission administration building Colorado Springs, CO

May 31st:

• Law Day Race

The post Colorado Springs Events May 25th through May 31st, 2013 appeared first on colorado springs real estate.

 Here is a short explanation:

 Buyers Agency:

• A buyer’s agent works solely on behalf of the buyer
• A buyer’s agent promotes the buyer’s interest with the utmost good faith, loyalty and fidelity (observing fiduciary duties to the buyer)
• A buyer’s agent must disclose to potential sellers all adverse material facts actually known by the buyer’s agent ie. buyer’s financial ability to perform
• Duties and obligations are explained in a separate written agreement.

 Sellers Agency:

• A seller’s agent works solely on behalf of the seller
• A seller’s agent promotes the seller’s interest with the utmost good faith, loyalty and fidelity.(observing fiduciary duties to the seller)
• A seller’s agent must disclose to potential buyers all adverse material facts actually known by the sellers agent about the property.
• Duties and obligations are explained in a separate written agreement.

Transaction Broker:

• A transaction broker assists

• the buyer OR
• the seller OR
• the seller AND buyer

• TB assists without being an agent or advocate for any parties. However, a TB still has to

• use reasonable skill and care in the performance of any oral or written agreement
• must make same disclosures as agent about all adverse material facts actually known by the TB to all parties
• no written agreement is signed

 Regardless, which relationship you chose for your transaction as a REALTOR® it is my obligation AND privilege to treat all parties honestly and with care. (REALTOR – NAR Code of Ethics)

 Please seek legal counsel if you are not sure about the meaning or consequences of the agreement.

The post How Is Your Agent Representing You? appeared first on colorado springs real estate.

• Run to the Shrine – 5k/10k – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – Colorado Springs, Colorado – 6:15 a.m. – 719-633-9925 x147  www.cmzoo.org/run. … Read More…
• Women’s Distance Festival – 5k – North Monument Valley Park – Colorado Springs, Colorado – 10:00 a.m. – 719-598-2953
• Walk MS Colorado Springs For more information please visit: www.walkmscolorado.org. … Read More…
• Family Golf – Saturday Afternoon’s Patty Jewett Golf Course, noon -4pm
• Ron White  7:30p Pikes Peak Center Colorado Springs, CO , The HBA Home Show will offer you the opportunity to visit with many different types of home remodeling and trade professionals under one roof.HBA Home show, Freedom Financial Expo Center

May 19:  

• 6th Annual Defenders of Freedom ,Veterans Recognition Ride Sunday, May 19, 2013
• Reach Your Peak 4-Mile Run – N. Nevada Avenue – Colorado Springs, Colorado – 8:00 a.m. – 210-557-4875
• A&E Duck Dynasty Live Presented by The Rock Christian Academy May 19, 2013
• HBA Home show, Freedom Financial Expo Center

May 23:

• Million Dollar Shot Contest Joins Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament Mayor’s Office,  Mayor Bach will sign four golf balls placed into golfer sleeves. Golfers who find one at check-in could win the Pikes Peak Community College Millio…Read More…

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